Last month, Gloucestershire police conducted Operation Tramline on the M5 motorway, pulling over a total of 58 drivers for a range of driving offenses. This road safety initiative, supported by National Highways, aims to reduce accidents caused by distracted or unsafe driving, including mobile phone use, failure to wear seat belts, and insecure loads.
An unmarked HGV lorry patrolled the stretch between junctions 8 and 14, giving officers a unique vantage point to identify offenders. Among the violations spotted was an HGV driver seen rolling a cigarette with no hands on the wheel, a clear danger to road safety.
Another serious case involved a tow truck operator whose vehicle exhibited numerous defects, such as non-functioning brakes, bald tyres, tyre cuts, cracked suspension springs, and an insecure load. The driver was issued a prohibition notice, as the vehicle posed a significant risk to other road users.
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Additionally, two motorists were apprehended for towing vehicles in the motorway’s third lane, violating Highway Code Rule 265. Offences were documented on video from the unmarked lorry cab, allowing police to swiftly intercept and deal with the drivers.
The penalties for these infractions include fines and points on driving licenses: £100 fines for not wearing seat belts, £200 fines plus six penalty points for using handheld mobile phones, and £300 fines for breaching prohibition orders. Driving while disqualified incurs even harsher consequences, including fines up to £5,000 and possible imprisonment for up to six months.
Sergeant Matt Firth of the Roads Policing Unit emphasized the ongoing commitment to reducing road casualties. “Reducing the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on our roads continues to be a priority for Gloucestershire Constabulary. We will continue these operations to detect and deter dangerous driving, recognizing the profound impact such behaviour can have on individuals and families.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Operation Tramline is a decade-long campaign targeting fatalities and serious injuries on National Highways’ road network. National Highways contributes by providing unmarked HGV cabs to police forces nationwide, enhancing their ability to detect unsafe driving.
Jack Mason, Engineering Team Manager for National Highways Road Safety, highlighted the risks: “You’re twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seat belt and four times more likely if using a phone at the wheel. It’s disappointing to see people endangering themselves and others in this way.”
He added, “Our HGV cabs have been invaluable in spotting unsafe driving behaviours, and we remain committed to working with police to make our roads safer for everyone.”